UTV to Produce Akbar Jodha
- IndiaGlitz, [Tuesday,August 29 2006]
Ashutosh GowarikarÂs second coming after ÂLagaan was an ambitious project ÂSwades brilliantly produced by UTV. In spite of getting rave reviews and igniting debate about lack of electricity in rural areas and the homecoming of an expatriate Indian, ÂSwades failed to find too many takers amongst the ticket paying public. So, when Ashutosh decided to make an epic like ÂJodha-Akbar with a dream pair of Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai about the life of Emperor Akbar, his wife Jodha and the secular credentials of Medieval India, there werenÂt too many buyers for this period drama.
After trying his luck with several producers, Gowarikar has finally found support with UTV yet again. Yes, UTV is going to be producing Jodha-Akbar. Mounted at an expensive budget of Rs 39 crore, ÂJodha-Akbar is going to be shot at a colossal level. UTV Chief Ronnie Screwala is clear that no corners will be cut in making of the film. Ash-Hrithik will be back once again after ÂDhoom 2 and director Gowarikar is of the opinion that the novelty value wouldnÂt suffer due to that. HereÂs hoping that UTV will continue making sensible and different-kind-of-cinema-trend that they started with ÂRang De Basanti early this year.